Top 15 Big 12 MBB Returning Players (Krista Pirtle's Blog)

With the 2014 NBA Draft behind us, let's take a look at the top players returning in the Big 12 next season.

15. Monte Morris, G, Iowa State

Morris came off the bench last season to back up starting point guard DeAndre Kane. In his 28.1 minutes per game, Morris averaged only 6.8 points but dished out a total of 134 assists.

14. Ryan Spangler, F, Oklahoma

Spangler was a rebounding machine for the Sooners last year, averaging 9.3 boards per contest. He also shot 58 percent from the floor for 9.8 points per game.

13. Wayne Selden, G, Kansas

High-flying Selden was overshadowed by the other two freshmen on the team - Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid. Selden averaged 9.7 points per game last year and should have a larger role this season.

12. Cameron Ridley, C, Texas

The big man sunk the winning shot for Texas in the opening round of the NCAA tournament last season. Ridley was a reliable target down low and averaged 11.2 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting 55 percent from the floor.

11. Thomas Gipson, F, Kansas State

Gipson was a factor in the paint all season for Kansas State. He averaged 11.7 points on 56 percent shooting while he pulled down 6.5 boards per game.

10. Phil Forte, G, Oklahoma State

Once Forte gets hot from the perimeter, it's game over. He shot 44 percent from three and averaged 13.3 points per contest for the Cowboys. Forte also worked on taking the defense off the dribble throughout last season.

9. Le'Bryan Nash, G/F, Oklahoma State

Nash played more of the forward last season due to the injury to Michael Cobbins. The athletic swing man averaged 13.9 points per game with 5.5 rebounds.

8. Kenny Chery, G, Baylor

Chery helped turn the Bears around midway through conference play last year. His quick first step is dangerous and opens up either a bucket for himself or an opportunity for a teammate. He averaged 11.5 points per contest and finished the season with a total of 174 assists.

7. Marcus Foster, G, Kansas State

Foster impressed in his first year as point guard for Kansas State. He put up 15.5 points per game while shooting 42 percent from the floor. With one year of experience under his belt, he should be even better this next year.

6. Kyan Anderson, G, TCU

Anderson was the lone bright spot for an injury-plagued TCU team last year. He averaged 17 points per game on 47 percent shooting from the field. At the end of the season, he had recorded a total of 139 assists.

5. Jonathan Holmes, F, Texas

Holmes is a dynamic forward for the Longhorns. Last season he averaged 12.8 points off 51 percent shooting from the floor and 7.2 rebounds per game.

4. Perry Ellis, F, Kansas

Ellis was a constant for the Jayhawks with their two freshmen phenoms. He averaged 13.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. While he can convert in the paint, he also excels in the midrange. On the season, Ellis shot 55 percent from the field.

3. Georges Niang, F, Iowa State

Iowa State could have advanced further if Niang hadn't have injured himself. The versatile big averaged 16.7 points off 47 percent shooting. He also finished the season with a total of 123 assists.

2. Buddy Hield, G, Oklahoma

Hield is a pure shooter. He averaged 16.5 points per contest for the Sooners last season. Hield shot 45 percent from the floor and 39 percent from three.

1. Juwan Staten, G, West Virginia

Staten was arguably the best point guard in the league last season. He can take the defense off the dribble as well as create shots for both himself and his teammates. Last season Staten averaged 18.1 points per game off 49 percent shooting while he dished out a total of 193 assists.